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The Season 6 premier is fast approaching *sneaks a glance at the countdown clock*.  In about 4 days we are going to be introduced to a whole new crop of Idol wannabees.  And the madness starts all over again.  I can’t wait!

Here’s an AP story about how American Idol is developing music “cred”.

But as America’s most popular prepares to kick off its sixth season Tuesday, it’s getting harder and harder for music snobs to deny its cultural import. “American Idol” has consistently churned out multiplatinum stars, Grammy-nominated artists and engaging celebrities (and, just maybe, an Oscar nominee in “Dreamgirls” star and “Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson).

“At a certain point, whether it’s respectable or not it just becomes undeniable,” says music journalist Alan Light, who has written for publications including The New York Times. “For a few years, there was a sense of novelty, but after a while, there’s more of a sense of institution.”

The moment that Prince strutted out onto the stage during last year’s finale it became very clear to me that Idol had come a very long way in 5 seasons.  Idol was no longer a joke, it attracted big name talent like Rod Stewart and Prince.  Rock bands like Live and Queen were not afraid to sully their ”rock cred” with an appearance on the show.  The contestant’s themselves were more mature and seasoned.  

In the months since the finale, Idols are proving to be more than just flash-in-the-pans.  Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have sold more records.  Carrie has won a truckful of music awards. Jennifer Hudson is winning raves, a Golden Globe and probably an Oscar nom for her role in the movie “Dreamgirls”. Chris Daughtry’s records are being played on rock radio.  Winner Taylor Hicks is jamming with the likes of Snoop Dog, Widespread Panic, Robert Randolph, and Dave Matthews. And, he’s winning those audiences over. 

American Idol has come of age.  Where does it go from here?